Lee Dong-wook is a South Korean film and television actor best known for his role in the television comedy serial ‘My Girl.’ He has since appeared in a number of family dramas, earning him the moniker ‘Wookie’. Lee began his career in the entertainment industry in a modest manner and has since become a celebrity in his own right, appearing as a guest on a number of variety shows. Additionally, he has appeared on the popular reality show ‘Roommates’. Lee has received numerous awards for his performances in films and television, as well as for his work as an MC in ‘Strong Heart,’ for which he won the SBS Entertainment Awards for Best Newcomer (MC) and Best Couple (with Shin Dong-yup). He has also appeared in music videos for a variety of Korean artists and directed Zozo’s ‘Dandelion’ music video. His younger sister, too, has followed in his footsteps and entered the entertainment industry. He is an active member of social media, where he has a sizable fan base.
Adolescence & Childhood
Dong-Wook Lee was born in Seoul, South Korea, on 6 November 1981. He is the eldest of his parents’ four children, who were raised in a middle-class family. After making his debut while still in high school, he financially supported his family. His younger sister is also a member of the entertainment industry. He graduated from Joongbu University with a bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting and Media Arts. He took on minor roles in television serials to supplement his income while attending college. He also took an active role in university-sponsored cultural events.
Lee began his career in 1999 as Sung-joon in the Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation television series ‘MBC Best Theatre’ (MBC). He was in his senior year of high school when he was cast as Lee Kang-san in the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) television series ‘School.’ Lee was a perfect fit for the role of adolescent in the serial.
He appeared in several television family drama serials over the next five years, including ‘A Dreaming Family,’ ‘Drama City,’ and ‘Precious Family. His innocent appearance attracted a diverse group of South Korean fans, establishing him as a household name.
He finally achieved stardom with his role in the romantic comedy serial ‘My Girl,’ which was a smash hit not only in South Korea but throughout Asia. His performance earned him recognition in South Korea’s entertainment industry as a star with potential. He had developed into a versatile actor by this point and subsequently appeared in prime-time serials such as ‘La Dolce Vita’, ‘Scent of a Woman’, ‘Wild Romance’, and ‘Blade Man’. His current serial, ‘Guardian: The Lonely and Great God,’ has been airing on tvN since 2016 and is gaining traction.
After establishing a name for himself on South Korean television, he ventured into South Korean film in 2006. He made his acting debut in the critically acclaimed horror film ‘Arang.’ He then landed the lead role in Hyun Young’s detective romance ‘The Perfect Couple.’Lee excels in romantic comedies, and his fans adored him in 2008’s ‘Heartbreak Library’ and 2015’s ‘The Beauty Inside.’ His dazzling performance quickly elevated him to the status of a South Korean youth icon.
From 2006 onwards, Lee Dong-wook established himself as a celebrity and began appearing as a guest on numerous variety shows. Among them are 2006’s ‘Wowowee,’ 2008’s ‘Happy Together,’ and 2016’s ‘Superman Returns.’He also appeared in the first and second seasons of the South Korean reality show ‘Roommates,’ in which he shared a house with eleven other celebrities and shared all utilities. Lee was a fan favorite among the show’s roommates. He co-hosted the talk show ‘Strong Heart’ in 2012-2013 with comedian Shin Dong-yup.
Additionally, he served as the host of the SBS Drama Awards and the television show ‘My Bodyguard’.He appeared in music videos for a variety of Korean artists as his career progressed. Additionally, he directed Zozo’s ‘Dandelion’ music video. He is active on social media, where he maintains a sizable fan base that awaits his next performance with bated breath.
Works of Significant Value
Among his television series are ‘School’ (1999 – 2000), ‘Drama City’ (2001), ‘Loving You’ and ‘Honest Living’ (2002), ‘Land of Wine’ (2003), ‘Precious Family’ (2004), ‘My Girl’ (2005), ‘Scent of a Woman’ (2011), ‘Wild Romance'(2012), ‘Hotel King’ and ‘Blade Man’ (2014), and ‘Guardian: He appeared in the films ‘Arang’ (2006), ‘The Perfect Couple’ (2007), ‘Heartbreak Library’ (2008), ‘The Recipe’ (2010), and ‘The Beauty Inside’ (2011). (2015). Lee served as the MC for the television shows ‘Strong Heart’ (2012–2013), ‘SBS Drama Awards’ (2012), and ‘My Bodyguard’ (2012). (2016).
He has appeared as a guest on a variety of television shows, including ‘Wowowee’, ‘Happy Together’, ‘Running Man’, ‘Entertainment Weekly’, and ‘The Return of Superman’.He appeared on seasons 1 and 2 of the reality show ‘Roommate.’He directed Zozo’s music video for ‘Dandelion’ and has appeared in music videos for a variety of artists, including Monday Kiz, Suho, Kim Dong-ryul, and Kim Tae-woo.
Distinctions & Honors
Lee was the 1999 recipient of the V-NESS Screen Award. Following that, he was awarded the SBS Drama, New Star Award for his performance in ‘Land of Wine’. He was also named Asia’s Most Attractive Actor and Grand Prize (Cultural Diplomacy) at the 8th Cosmo Beauty Awards and 18th Han II Cultural Awards, respectively. His performance in the serial ‘Scent of a Woman’ earned him the 2011 SBS Drama Awards Top Excellence Award (Actor in a Weekend Drama) and a spot among the Top 10 Stars.
He won Best Newcomer (MC) and Best Couple (with Shin Dong-yup) at the 2012 SBS Entertainment Awards for his role as MC in ‘Strong Heart.’Lee was presented with the Fashionista Award in 2014 in recognition of his overall performance at the 9th Asia Model Festival Awards. He was named Best Supporting Actor at the 5th Annual Drama Fever Awards ceremony in 2017 for his role in ‘Guardian: The Lonely and Great God’.
Life in General
Though he is currently single, he is rumored to have dated several of his co-stars, including Kim Hyun Joo of ‘Girls Generation Jessica’ and singer-turned-actress Lee Da Hae. His name has also been linked to a few other actresses, but he has maintained that he has never been in a long-term relationship with any of them.
He is well-known for his modesty and continues to financially support his family. As the eldest of four siblings, he has assumed responsibility for the upbringing of his younger siblings.
Estimated Net Worth
Lee Dong-wook is one of the wealthiest television actors and is ranked among the most popular television actors. Lee Dong-net wook’s worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million, based on our analysis of Wikipedia, Forbes, and Business Insider.
Trivia
He served in the military from August 2009 to June 2011, immediately following the completion of filming for his film ‘The Recipe.’To his fans, he is affectionately referred to as Wookie because of his innocent appearance and red lips.